Crisp weather and harvest season make for plenty of idyllic fall festivals -- but autumnal celebrations need not focus on pumpkins, cider and hayrides alone. Here's where to go for some unconventional fun this fall.

One of the benefits of hitting the shore in autumn is affordable hotel rates, putting dream destinations like Hilton Head, Montauk, Laguna Beach, and even Nantucket within your reach. Here are our favorite American beach towns with fall rates that say, "Welcome!"